Small HMOs to see changes to licensing

Woking Borough Council said it will introduce the scheme in January 2026

Landlords in a Surrey borough will be required to apply for licences for smaller Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), a council has said.

Woking Borough Council said it will introduce the scheme in January 2026, following a public consultation, in order to improve standards.

The scheme will require all HMO properties with three or four tenants from two or more different households to be licensed, a council spokesperson said.

HMOs are defined as properties where three or more people from at least two different households share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Those with more than five occupants already require a license under UK law.

More than 20% of Woking residents live in the private rented sector, the council said.

It added an additional licensing scheme would help the council take action against landlords operating illegally or irresponsibly.

The scheme will run until 4 January 2031.